Vaporizer including a heater assembly and delivery device

ABSTRACT

A vaporizing assembly for an aerosol-generating system may comprise a delivery device and a heater assembly. The heater assembly may comprise a heat resistive substrate and a heating element. The delivery device is configured to deliver an aerosol-forming substrate to at least a surface of the heat resistive substrate, wherein the heating element is isolated or separated from the aerosol-forming substrate by the heat resistive substrate. The present disclosure is also directed to a method for generating an aerosol.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/475,297, filed Mar. 31, 2017, which claimspriority to PCT/EP2017/056741, filed on Mar. 21, 2017, and furtherclaims priority to EP 16163416.7, filed on Mar. 31, 2016, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

Example embodiments relate to a vaporizing assembly for anaerosol-generating system (e.g., a handheld electrically operatedaerosol-generating system).

Description of Related Art

There are handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating systems thatconsist of a device portion comprising a battery and controlelectronics, a cartridge portion comprising a supply of aerosol-formingsubstrate held in a liquid storage portion, and an electrically operatedvaporizer. The vaporizer typically comprises a coil of heater wire woundaround an elongate wick soaked in the liquid aerosol-forming substrateheld in the liquid storage portion. The cartridge portion typicallycomprises not only the supply of aerosol-forming substrate and anelectrically operated vaporizer but also a mouthpiece from which theaerosol exits.

In aerosol-generating systems, the liquid aerosol-generating medium maynot always be completely volatilized. Residues may be created upontransport and heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Suchresidues may affect aerosol creation. In particular, residues may impairrepeatability of aerosol creation.

In aerosol-generating systems, the vaporizer is usually not easilyaccessible and the heating elements are mostly relatively small andfragile. Thus, in these systems, cleaning of the vaporizer is relativelydifficult or not possible at all.

SUMMARY

According to some example embodiments, there is provided a vaporizingassembly for an aerosol-generating system, comprising a delivery device(e.g., a liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivery device) fordelivering an aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., a liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate), and a heater assembly. The heater assembly comprises a heatresistive substrate and a heating element. The liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate delivery device may be configured to deliver a liquidaerosol-forming substrate to at least a surface of the heater assembly,wherein the heating element is isolated or separated from the liquidaerosol-forming substrate during normal use.

The heat resistive substrate of the heater assembly may be transparentor semi-transparent. The heat resistive substrate of the heater assemblymay be made from glass, heat resistive glass, ceramics, silicon,semiconductors, metals, or metal alloys.

The heat resistive substrate may be produced from pure glass or a glasscompound, as well as glass with specific crystal orientation to enableoptimized thermal transfer effects.

By forming the heater assembly from transparent or semi-transparentmaterials, a visual check and assessment of the need to clean thesurface of the heat resistive substrate may be performed with relativeease. In order to clean the surface, the heater assembly may be rinsedwith water or a suitable cleaning liquid.

The heat resistive substrate may be substantially flat and may have anydesired shape. The heat resistive substrate may have a rectangular,polygonal, circular or oval shape with, for example, width and lengthdimensions of between 3 to 10 millimeters. The thickness of the heatresistive substrate may range between 0.2 and 2.5 millimeters. In someexample embodiments, the heat resistive substrate may be have arectangular shape with a size of about 7×6 millimeters or 5×5millimeters (L×W), and a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 millimeters.

As used herein, “substantially flat” means an arrangement that is in theform of a substantially two dimensional object. Thus, the substantiallyflat heat resistive substrate extends in two dimensions substantiallymore than in a third dimension. In particular, the dimensions of thesubstantially flat heat resistive substrate in each of the twodimensions is at least 5 times larger than in the third dimension. Thetwo dimensions may define a surface of the heat resistive substrate andthird dimension may define a thickness of the heat resistive substrate,normal to the surface. An example of a substantially flat heat resistivesubstrate is an object between two imaginary and substantially parallelplanar surfaces, wherein the distance between the two imaginary surfacesis substantially smaller than the extent of the object parallel to thesurfaces. As described above, the extent of the object in two orthogonaldirections parallel to the surfaces may be at least five times greaterthan the distance (or thickness) between the two parallel surfaces. Insome example embodiments, the substantially flat heat resistivesubstrate is planar and the distance between the parallel planarsurfaces would be the thickness of the material used for forming theheater. In other example embodiments, the substantially flat heatresistive substrate is curved along one or more dimensions, for exampleforming a dome shape or bridge shape.

The heating element may be transparent but may also include partiallytransparent or not transparent materials. For example, the heatingelement may comprise metallic layers or elements in at least one of thesurfaces of the heat resistive substrate for the purpose of creating aresistive element. Furthermore, contact pads for electrical conductivityand connections with other parts of the device may be provided, whichare not transparent. The non-transparent parts are used only in suchextent so as to not hinder the ability to see and assess the need toclean the surface of the heat resistive substrate.

The heating element is isolated from the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate during normal use. The expression “isolated from the liquidaerosol-forming substrate” as used throughout this application is to beunderstood in the sense that the heating element is provided such thatit does not come into direct contact with the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate during normal use. For example, as disclosed in more detailbelow, the heating element may be provided within the volume of the heatresistive substrate, may be sandwiched between two elements of the heatresistive substrate or may be covered with a protective layer of heatresistive material. With such configuration, contact between the heatingelement and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be completelyavoided.

The expression “isolated from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate” isalso to be construed in a way that it encompasses example embodiments inwhich the heating element is provided on a surface of the heat resistivesubstrate onto which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is notdirectly delivered. In some example embodiments the liquidaerosol-forming substrate may be delivered to a front side of the heatresistive substrate and the heating element may be provided on abackside of the heat resistive substrate.

In such configurations, indirect contact between the heating element andthe liquid aerosol-forming substrate might not be avoided. Such indirectcontact may occur when residual liquid aerosol-forming substrate creepsover the heat resistive substrate or when vaporized liquid substratecondenses at the heating element.

The heating element may be provided as a thin film coating provided tothe surface of the heat resistive substrate. The heating element can beimpregnated, deposited, or printed on the surface of the heat resistivesubstrate. The material of the thin film heating element can be anysuitable material which has adequate electrical properties and asufficiently high adherence to the heat resistive substrate.

In order to allow for a homogenous heating of the heat resistivesubstrate, the thin film coating of the heating element may extendsubstantially over the complete surface of the heat resistive substrate.The geometrical shape of the heating element may vary, being anyadequate shape to produce the intended electrical resistance and theintended heating capabilities.

The heating element assembly may be localized in such configuration inthe vaporizing assembly that one of the large surfaces of the heatresistive substrate, also referred to as the front side (or frontsurface), faces towards the delivery device. In use, the liquidaerosol-forming substrate is substantially dispensed only onto the frontside (or front surface) of the heat resistive substrate.

The heating element is provided to the large surface of the heatresistive substrate which points or faces away from the delivery device.This surface is also referred to as the backside of the heat resistivesubstrate. The backside does not come into direct contact with theliquid aerosol-forming substrate during normal operation.

The heating element is configured such that the front side of the heatresistive substrate is heated to temperatures of about between 120degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius. The actual temperature of theheater assembly may be adjusted or chosen, for example, depending on thetype of liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is used.

The heating element may be embedded in the heat resistive substrate. Theexpression “embedded” as used throughout this application is to beunderstood in the sense that the heating element is provided within thevolume of the heat resistive substrate, is sandwiched between twoelements of the heat resistive substrate or is sandwiched between one ofthe surfaces of the heat resistive substrate and an additional coverlayer. The cover layer may be a specific coating of glass or mainlypolymeric transparent material with good resistance to temperatures upto the operating temperature of the heating element. The heating elementmay comprise a metallic wire which is embedded in a heat resistivesubstrate of glass or any other suitable material.

The heat resistive substrate of the heater assembly may be made from amaterial having low adhesion or anti-adhesion properties with respect tothe liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This can reduce the probability ofaccumulation of residues on the surface of the heating element.Moreover, the heating element may be easier to clean. The surface of theheat resistive substrate of the heater assembly may be non-porous.Non-porous means that the surface of the heat resistive substrate doesnot allow liquid or air to pass through it.

The heater assembly may additionally comprise further sensors orcomponents for specific additional purposes. Such additional sensors mayinclude real-time chemical sensors and temperature sensors. With thesesensors, the chemical composition and the temperature on the surface ofthe heater assembly can be monitored in a fast and geometrically preciseway.

The heater assembly element may be an all-in-one built-in component suchas a semiconductor component, a microchip component or a set of thosecomponents, manufactured using semiconductor technologies as a singlecomponent comprising nano-sized integrated structures. Such heaterassemblies may be more easily connected and disconnected from the manbody of the device, and are therefore desirable as replacement parts.However, depending on the material used, specific cleaning proceduresmay apply.

According to an example embodiment, during vaporization, the liquidaerosol-forming substrate only comes into contact with the front side(or front surface) of the heat resistive substrate.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivery device is connectable to aliquid storage portion and is configured to convey the liquidaerosol-forming substrate onto the heater assembly. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate delivery device may comprise an outlet end fordischarging the liquid aerosol-forming substrate onto the heaterassembly. The outlet end of the delivery device may be spaced apart fromthe heater assembly. The distance between the outlet end of the deliverydevice and the heater assembly may be between 0.1 and 10 millimeters.For instance, the distance between the outlet end of the delivery deviceand the heater assembly may be between 0.5 and 5 millimeters (e.g.,between 0.7 and 2.5 millimeters).

Example embodiments in which the heater assembly is spaced apart fromdelivery device may offer additional advantages. For instance, thereflux of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the heating element tothe delivery device may be efficiently prevented. Moreover, as theheating element is mechanically decoupled from the delivery device, thehandling of the vaporizing assembly, in particular disassembly forreplacement purposes or cleaning, is facilitated. The heater assemblymay be releasably connected to the liquid aerosol-forming substratedelivery device. Releasably connected in this context means that theheater assembly may be disconnected from the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate delivery device and reconnected to liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate delivery device without damaging either the heater assembly orliquid aerosol-forming substrate delivery device.

The delivery device may further comprise a pump for delivering theliquid aerosol-forming substrate onto the heater assembly. The pump maybe a hand-operated, manual pump, an electromechanical pump, or amicropump.

Micropumps may allow on-demand delivery of liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate at a low flow rate of for example approximately 0.5 to 4.5microliters per second for intervals of variable or constant duration.The pump may be tuned in order to deliver the appropriate amount ofliquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. Consequently,the amount of deposited liquid aerosol-forming substrate can bedetermined from the amount of pump cycles.

The pumped volume of one complete cycle of a micropump typically isabout 0.50 microliters per second. Such micropumps typically areoperated at a pump frequency of between 5 to 20 hertz.

The pump may be configured to pump liquid aerosol-forming substratesthat are characterized by a relatively high viscosity as compared towater. The viscosity of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be in therange from about 10 to 500 millipascal seconds (e.g., in the range fromabout 17 to 86 millipascal seconds).

The liquid aerosol-forming delivery device may further be configured todeliver a metered amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate onto theheater assembly. The estimated maximum amount of liquid to be pumped asa dose for a puff is a small volume, as a pumping pulse liquid volumefrom 0.010 to 0.060 microliters (e.g., around 0.0125 microliters).

At the outlet end of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate deliverydevice a nozzle may be provided via which the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate may be sprayed onto the heater assembly for volatilization andaerosol creation. The nozzle converts the flow of the liquidaerosol-forming substrate into a plurality of small droplets. The spraypattern of the droplets may be adapted to the shape of the heaterassembly.

The delivery device may comprise a classic type atomizer spray nozzle,in which case a flow of air is supplied through the nozzle upon anapplication of negative pressure, creating a pressurized air flow thatwill mix and act with the liquid creating an atomized spray in theoutlet of the nozzle. Several systems are available on the marketincluding nozzles that work with small volumes of liquid, in sizes thatmeet the requirements to fit in small portable devices. Another class ofnozzle that may be used is an airless spray nozzle, sometimes referredto as a micro-spray nozzle. Such nozzles create micro spray cones invery small sizes. With this class of nozzles, the airflow managementinside the device, namely inside the mouthpiece, surrounds the nozzleand the heater assembly, flushing the heater assembly surface towardsthe outlet of the mouthpiece (e.g., including a turbulent air flowpattern of the aerosol exiting the mouthpiece).

For either class of nozzle, the distance of the air gap between thedelivery device and the surface of the heat resistive substrate facingthe nozzle, may be within a range from 2 to 10 millimeters (e.g., from 3to 7 millimeters). Any type of available spraying nozzles may be used.Airless nozzle 062 Minstac from manufacturer “The Lee Company” is anexample of a suitable spray nozzle.

The vaporizing assembly may have a longitudinal axis. The deliverydevice may deliver or spray liquid aerosol-forming substrate along thelongitudinal axis. The heat resistive substrate may have a surface thatreceives the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the surface may beoblique to the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing assembly (e.g., so asto form an obtuse angle). In the case of a non-planar surface of theheat resistive substrate, the surface of at least a central portion ofthe heater assembly that receives liquid aerosol-forming substrate fromthe delivery device delivered along the longitudinal axis may be obliqueto the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing assembly.

A coupling unit may be provided in order to connect the delivery deviceto a liquid storage portion. The coupling unit may include a “luer” typeconnection. However, any type of leakage free connection system may beused.

According to some example embodiments, there is provided anaerosol-generating system comprising a vaporizing assembly as disclosedabove and a housing in which the vaporizing assembly is located. Atleast a part of the housing in which the heater assembly of thevaporizing assembly is located, is made from transparent material, suchthat the heater assembly can be visually inspected.

The housing of the aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouthpiecethrough which the generated aerosol exits. The mouthpiece may bedetachably connected to the housing. The heater assembly of thevaporizing assembly may be located in the mouthpiece. At least a portionof the mouthpiece may be transparent, such that the heater assembly canbe visually inspected.

The transparent portion of the housing or the mouthpiece may be madefrom for example thermal resistant glass, shock resistant glass,polymeric materials, hybrid compounds, carbon compounds, graphite,polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).

The mouthpiece and the heater assembly may be integrally formed as asingle part. The mouthpiece and the heater assembly may be provided as areplaceable part, which can be changed after use.

The heater assembly of the aerosol-generating system can be visuallyinspected with relative ease. When undesired contaminations aredetected, the aerosol-generating system may be disassembled, and theheater assembly may be cleaned. The design of the vaporizing assemblyallows the cleaning of the heating element with relative ease, forexample by rinsing with water.

The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a device portionincluding a power supply and a control unit. The aerosol-generatingsystem may further comprise a replaceable liquid storage portion. Whenassembled, the liquid storage portion is in fluid connection with theliquid aerosol-forming substrate delivery device. The mouthpiece may bedetachable from the device portion and the liquid storage portion.

In some example embodiments, the liquid storage portion may comprisepressurized liquid. The liquid may be stored in the liquid storageportion in a collapsible balloon. A one way valve may be temporarilyopened to allow liquid flow out of the liquid storage portion.

In some example embodiments, the liquid storage portion may have aflexible or movable wall. By manual or electromechanical action onto themoveable wall, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be forced out ofthe liquid storage portion. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate fromthe liquid storage portion may then be delivered by the delivery deviceto the heater assembly.

Additional one-way valves may be provided in the delivery devicewherever it is desired to avoid reflux of the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate. To this end, commercially available one-way valves withadequate size and liquid flows may be used, including mini and microflutter valves, duckbill valves, check valves. The valves may be made ofmaterials resistant to aggressive chemicals or FDA certified materials,which may be used for food industry and medical applications.

The aerosol-generating system may further comprise a control unitconnected to the vaporizer and to an electrical power source.

The control unit may be used to set the temperature and the heatingduration of the heating element. The control unit may also be used toactivate the pump in order to deliver the liquid aerosol-generatingsubstrate onto the heater assembly. To this end the control unit may bein communication with an air flow sensor, which allows the control unitto detect the application of a negative pressure.

The control unit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be aprogrammable microprocessor. The control unit may comprise furtherelectronic components. The control unit may be configured to regulate asupply of power to the vaporizing assembly. Power may be supplied to thevaporizing assembly continuously following activation of the system ormay be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Thepower may be supplied to the vaporizing assembly in the form of pulsesof electrical current.

The power supply provides the required electric energy to the electriccomponents of the aerosol-generating system. The power supply may be inform of a charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supplymay require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for thestorage of enough energy for one or more periods of aerosol generation.For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow forthe continuous generation of aerosol for a period of around six minutesor for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example,the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for apredetermined or target number of puffs or discrete activations of theheater assembly.

For allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating system, a wall of thehousing of the aerosol-generating system is provided with at least onesemi-open inlet. In an example embodiment, the semi-open inlet allowsair to enter the aerosol-generating system, but no air or liquid toleave the aerosol-generating system through the semi-open inlet. Asemi-open inlet may, for example, be a semi-permeable membrane,permeable in one direction only for air, but is air- and liquid-tight inthe opposite direction. A semi-open inlet may for example also be aone-way valve. Preferably, the semi-open inlets allow air to passthrough the inlet only if specific conditions are met, for example aminimum depression in the aerosol-generating system or a volume of airpassing through the valve or membrane.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasingvolatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds maybe released by heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing materialcontaining volatile tobacco flavour compounds, which are released fromthe liquid aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise anon-tobacco-containing material. The liquid aerosol-forming substratemay comprise homogenised plant-based material. The liquidaerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. Theliquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least oneaerosol-former. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise otheradditives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

The aerosol-generating system may be an electrically operatedaerosol-generating system. Preferably, the aerosol-generating system isportable. The aerosol-generating system may have a size comparable to acigar or cigarette. The aerosol-generating system may have a totallength between approximately 30 millimeters and approximately 150millimeters. The aerosol-generating system may have an external diameterbetween approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 30 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating system may be elongate and have a longitudinalaxis. An outlet may be provided in the mouthpiece at one end of thelongitudinal axis. The surface of the heat resistive substrate may beoblique to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system. Thismay improve the transport of vapour and liquid from the heater assemblyto the outlet. In the case of a non-planar surface of the heat resistivesubstrate, the surface of at least a central portion of the heaterassembly may be oblique to the longitudinal axis of theaerosol-generating system.

According to some example embodiments, there is provided a method forgenerating aerosol, comprising the steps of storing liquidaerosol-forming substrate in a liquid storage portion, providing aheater assembly comprising a heat resistive substrate and an electricheating element, delivering liquid aerosol-forming substrate from theliquid storage portion to the heater assembly via a delivery device, andvolatilizing at least a part of the delivered liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate by activating the heating element of the heater assembly. Theheating element is isolated from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.The heating element therefore does not directly contact the liquidaerosol-forming substrate in normal use.

Direct contact between the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and theheating element may be avoided by embedding the heating element in theheat resistive substrate of the heater assembly or by providing theheating element on a surface of the heat resistive substrate which doesnot come into contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a housing in whichthe heater assembly is located, wherein at least the part of the housingin which the heater assembly is located, is made from transparentmaterial, such that the heater assembly can be visually inspected fromoutside. This allows the verification of whether contaminations orresidues have formed on the heater assembly. In case such undesiredcontaminations have indeed formed, the appropriate steps can be taken toremove these contaminations. In order to facilitate maintenance of theaerosol-generating system, the mouthpiece including the heater assemblyis configured to be cleanable, for example rinseable with water.

During normal operation of the aerosol-generating system, the deliveryof the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the heating element may betriggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, these elements maybe triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of apuff.

In some example embodiments, the delivery of the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate may be delayed to the activation of the heating element. Inthese embodiments the heating element is pre-heated to a desiredoperation temperature, before the liquid aerosol-forming substrate isdelivered onto the heater assembly.

It should be understood that features described in relation to one ormore examples may equally be applied to other examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an aerosol-generating system according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the aerosol-generating system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the heater assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components of an aerosol-generatingsystem according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, theaerosol-generating system 10 comprises a device portion 12 a including ahousing 14, a power source 16, and a control unit 18. Theaerosol-generating system 10 further comprises a vaporizer assembly 12 bincluding a housing 20, a storage portion 22 (e.g., exchangeable liquidstorage portion), a delivery device 30, and a heater assembly 40. Atransparent mouthpiece 50 can be detachably connected to the housing 20of the vaporizer assembly 12 b.

The device portion 12 a and the vaporizer assembly 12 b may be connectedvia any suitable coupling unit which provides an adequate mechanical andelectrical connection between the device portion 12 a and the vaporizerassembly 12 b.

The liquid storage portion 22 is connected to the aerosol-formingsubstrate delivery device 30 via a coupling unit 24. In an exampleembodiment, the coupling unit 24 is a “luer” type coupling unit. Theliquid storage portion 22 can be replaced with relative ease byseparating the vaporizer assembly 12 b from the device portion 12 a andremoving the liquid storage portion 22 from the open distal end of thevaporizer assembly 12 b.

In an example embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate deliverydevice 30 is configured to transport the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate from the liquid storage portion 22 to the heater assembly 40.To achieve this transport, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate deliverydevice 30 may comprise a tubing 32 and a micropump 34 which are influidic connection with the liquid storage portion 22. The micropump 34is configured to pump the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heaterassembly 40.

At the outlet end of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate deliverydevice 30, a spray nozzle 36 may be provided. The spray nozzle 36 isconfigured to dispense the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to theheater assembly 40 in a predetermined or target spray pattern. In anexample embodiment, the nozzle 36 is an airless nozzle that provides acone-like spray pattern. The spray pattern may be adapted to the size ofthe surface of the heater assembly 40.

The heater assembly 40 may comprise a substantially rectangularsubstrate 42 made from thermo-resistive glass. The substrate 42 may havea size of 5×5 square millimetres and a thickness of 1 millimeter. In anexample embodiment, the substrate 42 is mounted on support posts 44,which in turn are fixed to the housing 20 of the vaporizer assembly 12b. The substrate 42 may be mounted such that its front side 42 a facesthe nozzle 36 and is held at a distance of about 7 millimetres from thenozzle 36. The front side 42 a of the substrate 42 may be at an obliqueangle (e.g., obtuse angle) to the longitudinal axis of theaerosol-generating system 10. This configuration improves the transportof liquid droplet and vapour from the substrate 42 through themouthpiece 50 when compared to an arrangement in which the front side 42a of the substrate 42 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theaerosol-generating system 10.

The heater assembly 40 further comprises a heating element 46, which maybe in the form of a conductive thin film coating that is applied to thebackside 42 b of the substrate 42. The thin film coating may beelectrically connected via the support posts 44 to the control unit 18and the power source 16 of the device portion 12 a. The support posts 44may also provide electrical contacts for establishing the electricalconnection between the heater assembly 40 and the power source 16. Whenthe heating element 46 is provided on the backside 42 b of the substrate42, the heating element 46 does not come into direct contact with theliquid aerosol-forming substrate under normal operating conditions.

The micropump 34 is electrically connected with the power source 16 andcontrolled by the control unit 18. The micropump 34 can be activated toprovide a desired liquid flow through the nozzle 36 provided at theoutlet end of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivery device 30.

By applying an electrical current to the thin film coating, the heatresistive substrate 42 is heated up to temperatures of above 120°Celsius, which is sufficient to volatilize the liquid aerosol-formingsubstrate sprayed on the front side 42 a of the heat resistive substrate42.

In FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating system 10 is depicted in a fullyassembled state. In an example embodiment, the entire mouthpiece 50 maybe made from shock resistant transparent glass. Due to the transparencyof the mouthpiece 50 and the heater assembly 40, the aerosol-formationin the aerosol-generating system 10 and the cleanliness of thevaporization unit can be visually monitored.

The aerosol-generating system 10 may be activated by a manual operationof a power switch or may automatically be activated by correspondingdetection means upon the application of a negative pressure. Upondetection of such signals, the heater assembly 40 and the liquidaerosol-forming substrate delivery device 30 are activated by thecontrol unit 18. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered to theheater assembly 40 is vaporized and is mixed with the air stream to forman aerosol.

The specific design of the aerosol-generating system 10 ensures that thedelivered liquid aerosol-forming substrate is substantially (orcompletely) volatilized and that the formation of residues within theinner surface of the mouthpiece 50 and on the heater assembly 40 isreduced or avoided. Due to the transparency of the employed materials, averification that no undesired residues have formed can be performed atany time. Should such undesired residues form, the aerosol-generatingsystem 10 allows for relatively easy access to internal parts of thesystem. By removing the detachable mouthpiece 50, access to the heaterassembly 40 may be gained in order to rinse the mouthpiece 50 and theheater assembly 40 (e.g., with tap water or any other suitable cleaningliquid).

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the heater assembly 40. Referring toFIG. 3, the heat resistive substrate 42 is mounted on support posts 44and is held at a predefined or desired distance from the nozzle 36. Thefront side 42 a of the heat resistive substrate 42 faces towards nozzle36, such that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is directly deliveredonly onto the front side 42 a of the heat resistive substrate 42. Thebackside 42 b of the heat resistive substrate 42 may be provided with aheating element 46 in the form of an electrically conductive thin filmcoating. The support posts 44 are also used for electrically contactingthe conductive thin film coating to the power source 16 of theaerosol-generating system 10. In an example embodiment where the heatingelement 46 is provided on the backside 42 b of the heat resistivesubstrate 42, the heating element 46 does not come into direct contactwith the liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered via nozzle 36. Theheater assembly 40 may be detachable from the nozzle 36 to allow forremoval and cleaning. The support posts 44 may be received in slots inthe nozzle 36. The heater assembly 40 may be fixed to the mouthpiece 50.

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, itshould be understood that other variations may be possible. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

1. A vaporizer comprising: a heater assembly including a substrate and aheating element, the substrate including a first surface and an opposingsecond surface; and a delivery device spaced apart from the heaterassembly, the delivery device configured to dispense a liquid onto thefirst surface of the substrate, the heating element disposed such thatthe first surface of the substrate is between the delivery device andthe heating element.
 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the substrateof the heater assembly is at an angle to a longitudinal axis of thevaporizer.
 3. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the substrate of theheater assembly is transparent or semi-transparent.
 4. The vaporizeraccording to claim 1, wherein the substrate of the heater assembly isnon-porous.
 5. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the first surface ofthe substrate is planar.
 6. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein theheating element is configured to heat the first surface of the substrateto vaporize the liquid.
 7. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the heatingelement is downstream from the delivery device.
 8. The vaporizer ofclaim 1, wherein the heating element is in a form of a film.
 9. Thevaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heater assembly isconfigured such that the heating element does not come into directcontact with the liquid during a normal operation of the vaporizer. 10.The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the heating element is disposed on thesecond surface of the substrate.
 11. The vaporizer of claim 1, whereinthe heating element is embedded within the substrate.
 12. The vaporizerof claim 1, wherein the heating element is sandwiched between thesubstrate and an adjacent layer.
 13. The vaporizer according to claim 1,wherein the heater assembly is releasably connected to the deliverydevice.
 14. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the deliverydevice includes an outlet end spaced 0.1 mm to 10 mm from the heaterassembly.
 15. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the deliverydevice is configured to dispense a metered amount of the liquid.
 16. Thevaporizer according to claim 15, wherein the metered amount is 0.01 to0.06 microliters.
 17. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein thedelivery device includes a pump and a nozzle configured to spray theliquid.
 18. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the substrate ofthe heater assembly is spaced apart from the delivery device by asupport post.
 19. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein thedelivery device has a longitudinal axis and is configured to dispensethe liquid in a direction coinciding with the longitudinal axis.
 20. Thevaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the delivery device has alongitudinal axis, and the first surface of the substrate is at anoblique angle to the longitudinal axis.